Faithing It

Hebrews 11:1-6 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” ESV

Simple Definition of faith. strong belief or trust in someone or something. : belief in the existence of God : strong religious feelings or beliefs. : a system of religious beliefs.

Faith is not a noun; I think Merriam-Webster got this wrong.

Faith is not just the name of something!

Faith is an ACTION! Faith is a STATE OF BEING!

Faith is a verb

If your FAITH is not ACTIVE, then it is FAKE.

The world, especially the religious world, does not need more FAKER!

FAITHING = the practice of a faith. Collins Dictionary

We need more real FAITHERS!

People who know WHO they believe in and take action! LIVING their life by FAITH

Abel, Enoch, Abraham and the others talked about in Hebrews 11 did not just sit around talking about their faith – THEY WENT OUT AND LIVED THEIR FAITH!

I would propose to you today that, Biblically speaking, one cannot HAVE FAITH without PRACTICING FAITH.

You can talk about faith all you want, but it is not until you ACTIVATE your faith that it becomes real!

James 2:14-17 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” ESV

“Faith without works is dead” It is an imitation life. It is FAKE!

Today we ask the question: “Are we FAITHING life or FAKING it?”

Faith is emphasized in these two miracles found in our text.

FAITHING life means you go and seek Jesus and ASK Him for help and Hope. Verses 8:40 – 42

Faking life depends on what you can “drum up” all on your own

FAITHING life means reaching out to Jesus even when it is hard and doesn’t make much human sense. Verses 8:43 – 44

Faking life worries about what others may think or how you will look

FAITHING life means trusting what God says more than what man says. Verses 8: 49-50

Faking life depends on the word of fallen man and mankind’s limited knowledge and wisdom

FAITHING life means gaining the rewards of God

Healing – Verse 8:48

Restoration – Verse 8:54 – 55

Faking life only gains earthly rewards or the rewards of other fallen mankind.

Temporary

Are you FAITHING life or FAKING life?

It is one thing to talk about faith, it is another thing to share faith

It is one thing to learn about faith, it is another thing to live faith